I am in the process of replacing the entire 12v system on my sailboat, and I have a question. According to my reading of the rules, one legal configuration for my 24' sailboat is to have port and starboard sidelights in red and green, accompanied by a single, all around masthead white light.

Is this correct for operation under motor and sail?
Also, I am planning to install innovative lighting LED sidelights and a white all around LED masthead light.

I'd point out that having both masthead and deck level lights are a good idea. I generally suggest that boats have deck level red/green side lights and a stern light, as well as a mast mounted steaming light and masthead tricolor and anchor lights.

The reason for this is simple—in the harbor, most boats are not going to see a mast-top light—so the tricolor and all-around white light are less than useful—while off-shore, especially in heavy weather, the mast-top lights provide much better visibility, and aren't likely to be hidden by the sails or seas. Also, having both sets gives you some redundancy in case you have a light fail.

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Telstar 28
New England

You know what the first rule of sailing is? ...Love. You can learn all the math in the 'verse, but you take
a boat to the sea you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of the worlds. Love keeps
her going when she oughta fall down, tells you she's hurting 'fore she keens. Makes her a home.

—Cpt. Mal Reynolds, Serenity (edited)

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Be aware that almost none of the LED replacement bulbs are USCG certified. The only Dr. LED bulb, contrary to the implications made by their website, that is certified is the PolarStar 40 and only in the AquaSignal 40 anchor light fixture, and even that may not be certified as they've redesigned the bulb without going for recertification IIRC.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tager

So I need sidelights and a stern light while under sail. Under motor I need a white light, either all around, or a pair of forward and stern facing white lights, plus the sidelights.

So here is my plan: Stern light, side lights, and masthead all around light.

I am going to purchase new LED side lights (innovative) and install approved white LED bulbs in the masthead all around light and the stern light.

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Telstar 28
New England

You know what the first rule of sailing is? ...Love. You can learn all the math in the 'verse, but you take
a boat to the sea you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of the worlds. Love keeps
her going when she oughta fall down, tells you she's hurting 'fore she keens. Makes her a home.

—Cpt. Mal Reynolds, Serenity (edited)

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